Unified motion planning algorithm for autonomous driving vehicle in obstacle avoidance maneuver

Abstract

A method for automated lane centering and / or lane changing purposes for a vehicle traveling on a roadway that employs roadway points from a map database to determine a reference vehicle path and sensors on the vehicle for detecting static and moving objects to adjust the reference path. The method includes reducing the curvature of the reference path to generate a reduced curvature reference path that reduces the turning requirements of the vehicle and setting the speed of the vehicle from posted roadway speeds from the map database. The method also includes providing multiple candidate vehicle paths and vehicle speeds to avoid the static and moving objects in front of the vehicle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to a system and method for providing vehicle path planning and generation for lane centering and / or lane changing in a semi-autonomous or autonomously driven vehicle and, more particularly, to a system and method for providing vehicle path planning and generation for lane centering and / or lane changing in a semi-autonomous or autonomously driven vehicle that uses roadway points from a map data base to determine a reference vehicle path and then inputs from various vehicle sensors to alter the reference path based on road curvature and detected obstacles.[0003]2. Discussion of the Related Art[0004]The operation of modern vehicles is becoming more autonomous, i.e., vehicles are able to provide driving control with less and less driver intervention. Cruise control systems have been on vehicles for a number of years where the vehicle operator can set a particular speed of the vehicle, and th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system and method for helping a vehicle plan its path and avoid obstacles on the road. It uses information from map databases and sensors on the vehicle to adjust its path and speed. The system reduces the sharpness of the path to make it easier for the vehicle to turn and adjusts its speed to match road speed limits. The method also suggests multiple paths and speeds to avoid obstacles in front of the vehicle. Overall, this system can improve the efficiency and safety of autonomous vehicles.

Problems solved by technology

Some vehicle systems intervene if the driver makes harsh steering changes that may affect vehicle stability.

However, as a result of sensor and actuator latency, measured vehicle states may be different from actual vehicle states.

This difference may cause improper path generation, which will affect lane changing harshness.

However, current vehicle vision cameras have a maximum effective viewing distance of about 80 meters in good conditions, thus limiting their ability to detect roadway markings to determine roadway curvature.

For highway speeds, such as 70 mph, the camera range is often not sufficient to complete a lane change maneuver based on current calculation requirements.

Therefore, the vehicle speed may exceed the ability of the system to accurately provide the necessary predicted path for semi-autonomous or autonomously driven vehicles.

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